Paris, France (CNN) -- The death toll from flash flooding in southern France rose to 22 on Thursday as rain continued to inundate the region, authorities said.
Up to 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) of rain fell in some areas overnight, the Var prefecture said in a statement. Despite the additional rain, most of the flood waters have begun to recede and cleanup has begun.
Some 104,000 homes were without electricity across the region, and 20,000 homes were without phone connections, the prefecture said.
Rescue operations officially ended Thursday and authorities were focusing on clearing debris and assisting residents of Draguignan, which was hardest hit, authorities said. The city is about 27 miles west of Cannes.
Authorities warned residents not to drink water that appears or tastes unusual. They were distributing tens of thousands of bottles of water, along with meals, in the Draguignan area, the prefecture said.
More local thunderstorms were forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening, the prefecture said.
